[APPLE vs Google Voice] So the FCC won't let me be

**Cody Overcash** · 07-31-2009, 06:38 PM

So the FCC won't let me be or let me be me, so let me see I try to shut down some GV . . .

ANYWAYS

The FCC isn't too pleased with the whole Google Voice getting rejected and other Google Voice applications getting kicked off the App Store thing and is in the process of investigating Apple and AT&T to determine wtf is going on there.

The request is part of a broader-ranging inquiry by the commission on exclusive deals between cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers for hot phones. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Thursday that the FCC wants to look into rural areas where customers can't buy the latest fancy phones because of such exclusive deals.

Course one Google Voice application is doing pretty freakin well off the App Store. GV Mobile is up to nearly 40,000 downloads via Cydia in the three short days since it was posted.

Update via TechCrunch

FCC to Apple

July 31, 2009

Catherine A. Novelli, Vice President
Worldwide Government Affairs
Apple Inc.
901 15th Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20005

RE: Google Voice and related iPhone applications

Dear Ms. Novelli:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store. In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and remove related third-party applications from its App Store? In addition to Google Voice, which related third-party applications were removed or have been rejected? Please provide the specific name of each application and the contact information for the developer.
2. Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application and related applications? If the latter, please describe the communications between Apple and AT&T in connection with the decision to reject Google Voice. Are there any contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T that affected Apple’s decision in this matter?
3. Does AT&T have any role in the approval of iPhone applications generally (or in certain cases)? If so, under what circumstances, and what role does it play? What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or any non-contractual understandings) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?
4. Please explain any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications that Apple has approved for the iPhone. Are any of the approved VoIP applications allowed to operate on AT&T’s 3G network?
5. What other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone and for what reasons? Is there a list of prohibited applications or of categories of applications that is provided to potential vendors/developers? If so, is this posted on the iTunes website or otherwise disclosed to consumers?
6. What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone applications? What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)? What is the percentage of applications that are rejected? What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

Request for Confidential Treatment. If Apple requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. 47 C.F.R. § 0.459. Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b). Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable. Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting
Acting Chief
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Federal Communications Commission

FCC to Google

July 31, 2009

Richard S. Whitt, Esq.
Washington Telecom and Media Counsel
Google Inc.
1101 New York Avenue, NW, Second Floor
Washington, DC 20005

RE: Apple’s Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application

Dear Mr. Whitt:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store. In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. Please provide a description of the proposed Google Voice application for iPhone. What are the key features, and how does it operate (over a voice or data network, etc.)?
2. What explanation was given (if any) for Apple’s rejection of the Google Voice application (and for any other Google applications for iPhone that have been rejected, such as Google Latitude)? Please describe any communications between Google and AT&T or Apple on this topic and a summary of any meetings or discussion.
3. Has Apple approved any Google applications for the Apple App Store? If so, what services do they provide, and, in Google’s opinion, are they similar to any Apple/AT&T-provided applications?
4. Does Google have any other proposed applications pending with Apple, and if so, what services do they provide?
5. Are there other mechanisms by which an iPhone user will be able to access either some or all of the features of Google Voice? If so, please explain how and to what extent iPhone users can utilize Google Voice despite the fact that it is not available through Apple’s App Store.
6. Please provide a description of the standards for considering and approving applications with respect to Google’s Android platform. What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)? What is the percentage of applications that are rejected? What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

Request for Confidential Treatment. If Google requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. 47 C.F.R. § 0.459. Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b). Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable. Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting
Acting Chief
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Federal Communications Commission

FCC to AT&T

July 31, 2009

James W. Cicconi
Senior Executive Vice President-External and Legislative Affairs
AT&T Services, Inc.
1120 20th Street, NW, Suite 1000
Washington, DC 20036

RE: Apple’s Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application

Dear Mr. Cicconi:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store. In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. What role, if any, did AT&T play in Apple’s consideration of the Google Voice and related applications? What role, if any, does AT&T play in consideration of iPhone applications generally? What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or in any non-contractual understanding between the companies) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?
2. Did Apple consult with AT&T in the process of deciding to reject the Google Voice application? If so, please describe any communications between AT&T and Apple or Google on this topic, including the parties involved and a summary of any meetings or discussions.
3. Please explain AT&T’s understanding of any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol applications that are currently used on the AT&T network, either via the iPhone or via handsets other than the iPhone.
4. To AT&T’s knowledge, what other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone? Which of these applications were designed to operate on AT&T’s 3G network? What was AT&T’s role in considering whether such applications would be approved or rejected?
5. Please detail any conditions included in AT&T’s agreements or contracts with Apple for the iPhone related to the certification of applications or any particular application’s ability to use AT&T’s 3G network.
6. Are there any terms in AT&T’s customer agreements that limit customer usage of certain third-party applications? If so, please indicate how consumers are informed of such limitations and whether such limitations are posted on the iTunes website as well. In general, what is AT&T’s role in certifying applications on devices that run over AT&T’s 3G network? What, if any, applications require AT&T’s approval to be added to a device? Are there any differences between AT&T’s treatment of the iPhone and other devices used on its 3G network?
7. Please list the services/applications that AT&T provides for the iPhone, and whether there any similar, competing iPhone applications offered by other providers in Apple’s App Store.
8. Do any devices that operate on AT&T’s network allow use of the Google Voice application? Do any devices that operate on AT&T’s network allow use of other applications that have been rejected for the iPhone?
9. Please explain whether, on AT&T’s network, consumers’ access to and usage of Google Voice is disabled on the iPhone but permitted on other handsets, including Research in Motion’s BlackBerry devices.

Request for Confidential Treatment. If AT&T requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. 47 C.F.R. § 0.459. Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b). Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable. Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting
Acting Chief
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Federal Communications Commission

via our repo stats, wsj, giz, some Eminem lyrics, thx Gates for tipping us off

**NArush** · 07-31-2009, 06:47 PM

Awesome.. I hope the FCC lays it on Apple and knocks the chip off their shoulders. Now let's see just who is breaking the law. Would be ironic if they got caught with their greedy hands in the cookie jar while screaming about potential drug dealers jailbreakin' their software.

**P777** · 07-31-2009, 07:07 PM

^^ yay on the eminem qoute lol

**oo3** · 07-31-2009, 07:15 PM

Nice. I hope they get apple to stop discriminating against apps, when there are clearly others that do similar things.

**StealthBravo** · 07-31-2009, 07:15 PM

lmao.

It is crap they **** blocked Google

**marc180292** · 07-31-2009, 07:25 PM

lets hope that ATT learns a lesson that they cant be the boss of Apple.

**rbjscv** · 07-31-2009, 07:25 PM

i didn't actually need GV but just wanted to make apple aware of how much i hate their antic/tactics/bs/crap.

**Rescuer** · 07-31-2009, 07:28 PM

FCC Seeks Details on Google App Rejection For iPhone

http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/...hone.html?_r=1

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The Federal Communications Commission is seeking additional information about Apple Inc's decision to reject Google Inc's voice application for the iPhone.

The Google application is seen by some as a competitive threat to the voice services that come with the iPhone, which is carried exclusively in the United States by AT&T Inc.

The FCC sent letters of inquiry to Apple, Google and AT&T on Friday after Apple failed to approve the Google Voice app and removed a similar application from the App Store. Copies of the letters were posted on the FCC's Web site.

The commission said it was making the request in light of upcoming proceedings regarding wireless open access and handset exclusivity.

Last month, several U.S. senators urged regulators to review exclusive handset arrangements between wireless carriers and cell phone makers and how they affect competition and choice in the marketplace.

President Barack Obama's choice to head the FCC has said he plans to review handset exclusivity arrangements.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the FCC move. Google and AT&T could not immediately be reached for comment.

Google said on Tuesday that Apple rejected its Google Voice app, a program that allows users to store transcripts of voicemail messages in their email inbox and find specific information within a phone message.

It can also be used to make low-priced international calls, and offers a single phone number that can route incoming calls to home, office and cell phones.

In addition, GV Mobile -- a third-party Google Voice iPhone app -- was removed from the App Store.

In its letter to Apple, the FCC asked for the reason behind the rejection and the decision to remove the third-party application. It also asked whether Apple acted alone or in consultation with AT&T, and what role AT&T plays in the approval process for iPhone apps. (Reporting by Gabriel Madway; editing by Carol Bishopric)

**Bernie-Mac** · 07-31-2009, 07:35 PM

Was cash freestylin? Lmao nice one

**Rescuer** · 07-31-2009, 07:42 PM

Originally Posted by Bernie-Mac

Was cash freestylin? Lmao nice one

FCC wont let me be, or let me be me so let me see... they tried to shut me down on MTV, but it feels so empty without me!

**zoolander369** · 07-31-2009, 07:46 PM

Good for the FCC!

**rwin84** · 07-31-2009, 07:55 PM

LOL! Apple needs to get their head on straight and stop trying to hold ALL of the cards. They are making a killing on one handset and it's subsidies. Quit being so damn greedy!

**dkhockey5** · 07-31-2009, 07:59 PM

40,000 downloads in cydia? do all 40,000 of these people have GV accounts? cuz i applied for my invite to GV like 5 days ago and still have heard nothing.. i want GV!!!

**RonHC** · 07-31-2009, 08:12 PM

what they dont realize is they just f*cked with the wrong company

**Jahooba** · 07-31-2009, 08:18 PM

Ooh, nice. I like the new microscope the FCC has on cell dealers. Something must be done. I have Verizon and they get all the shittiest phones. I hear next year we'll get the Pre and maybe the iPhone. The wait is taking forever.

I don't usually root for the government to work quickly, but c'mon FCC! Slap the hand of every cell-phone service provider so I can buy whatever phone I want with whatever service I want!

**Yakattak** · 07-31-2009, 09:52 PM

It's not really Apple's fault I don't think. AT&T doesn't want any VOiP apps for the iPhone.

**jerry garcia** · 07-31-2009, 10:04 PM

I know people are selling invites on ebay for a buck. That could explain the 40,000 downloads.

**Happy Noodle Boy** · 07-31-2009, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by Yakattak

It's not really Apple's fault I don't think. AT&T doesn't want any VOiP apps for the iPhone.

Google Voice isn't a VOIP service.

**ifonemaniac** · 07-31-2009, 11:23 PM

its almost painful to read a nerd typing rap lyrics...

**NakedFaerie** · 08-01-2009, 12:04 AM

About time someone smacked Apple for their pathetic goings.
banning apps from the app store then having a huge cry about jailbreaking.

I think everyone needs to find a new phone. It looks like Apple dont want people to have iphones anymore unless your a clone of Steve Jobs.

Originally Posted by Yakattak

It's not really Apple's fault I don't think. AT&T doesn't want any VOiP apps for the iPhone.

If that was so then why is Fring and Skype still there?

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